The City has fired long time city lawyer, Peter Barkwell. City Manager Chris Murray announced the move via an email to councilors. (Spec story here). The decision takes effect immediately. Barkwell recently came under fire with his advice to council about closed door meetings, drawing the attention of Ontario Ombudsman, Andre Marin. Barkwell was also in the cross hairs over a recent issue that saw the city lose millions of dollars over investments gone bad and a failure to properly file a claim in court.
Peter has been with the city since 1988. He became the city solicitor in 2004 after acting in that role a year prior. The Hamiltonian wishes Peter well in his future pursuits.
Friday, March 30, 2012
3 comments:
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Yes with all due respect, time to retire!!
ReplyDeleteMr. Murray did a smart thing. If he did not hold anyone accountable for the 10 million dollar lose, the finger would start pointing at whether he is functioning as a City Manager. I also think he must have really read the article on accountability that TH wrote. Good on him. He should also start refreshing his team and hire some new talent.
ReplyDeleteSorce
I never like to hear of someone losing their job, but sometimes tough decisions need to be made. This is one of those times, and I believe it was a good choice. I am sure that Mr. Barkwell will bounce back onto his feet in no time and I wish him well. Chris Murray did the right thing here. As head of the legal department, Barkwell was responsible for too many errors that have cost the city millions of dollars. I am a firm believer in pay for performance, and proper displinary action when one goofs up big time. Good call Mr. Murray.
ReplyDeleteDY